A recent report by the NEOS Foundation reveals a stark reality for Spain: foreign-born residents now account for a staggering 9.04 million people, or roughly 18.5% of the country’s population.
This figure doesn’t even include the more than 2 million children born to foreign mothers over the past 25-30 years, who have added their numbers to Spain’s growing immigrant population.
In total, Spain is home to nearly 11 million individuals of immigrant origin, including both first- and second-generation residents. This group now makes up over 22% of the country’s population. The data, provided by the latest INE Continuous Population Statistics from July 1, 2024, paints a picture of a country undergoing significant demographic change.
The authors of the report—Jorge Soley, Alejandro Macarrón, Luis Zayas, Fernando Rosado, and Carlos Beltramo—argue that Spain must move away from its passive approach to migration, which has often turned a blind eye to irregular immigration and routinely offered amnesties. Instead, they call for a proactive, strategic immigration policy that encourages controlled and carefully selected immigration.
The financial burden of this influx is undeniable. According to the report, the annual cost of immigration to the Spanish state exceeds 30 billion euros. This immense financial strain is felt across public services, from healthcare and education to housing and infrastructure, and places significant pressure on the country’s labor market as well.
The report also highlights the changing demographics of Spain’s immigrant population. Ibero-American migrants—largely from Latin America—continue to make up the largest group, consistently dominating new arrivals for the past decade. Meanwhile, European immigration has taken a downward turn over the last ten years, with Eastern European countries, particularly Romania, accounting for a large share of the remaining arrivals.
The need for a shift in policy couldn’t be clearer. Spain’s current approach is not sustainable, and the report advocates for stronger measures to ensure that immigration is manageable, beneficial, and in line with Spain’s national interests. With the pressure mounting on both public services and the economy, the time to act is now.
